AGRICULTURE. The research project to create an animal probiotic based on maple syrup is funded by three partners: the Producteurs et produceres acéricoles du Québec (PPAQ), the Consortium for research and innovations in industrial bioprocesses in Quebec (CRIBIQ) and the Conseil Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Institute of Canada (NSERC).
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“We are currently working to develop strategic partnerships with industrial players, which could be interesting for producers represented by several unions of the UPA (Union of Agricultural Producers). We believe that the products […] could be marketed in the pork, poultry and companion animal industries,” indicates Julie Barbeau, innovation and market development advisor at PPAQ.
Despite the existence of several companies producing probiotics, it remains difficult, at this stage, to quantify a precise percentage of the unflavored syrup intended for the initiative. As for the anticipated reactions of regular buyers of the syrup targeted for processed products, Julie Barbeau is reassuring.
“Our initiatives respond to a request from the maple syrup industry to continue the development of market outlets for upgraded syrups. In addition, the diversification of markets contributes to increasing the notoriety of the product and demonstrates its therapeutic virtues,” she mentions.
-How do the PPAQ intend to manage the strategic reserve and annual harvests based on this new avenue? “This is on average 1 to 3% of the annual syrup production that is not used for commercial purposes directly to consumers. The development of this market will not have an impact on the method of management of our collective inventories, which remain available to all buyers of maple syrup,” specifies Ms. Barbeau.
This project is far from being a unique case for the organization representing Quebec maple producers. “The PPAQ has been investing in research for more than 20 years. More than 200 projects have been carried out to date and several highlight the benefits of maple syrup for the health of animals and humans,” recalls Julie Barbeau.
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